Laxman's teammates pay tributes via Twitter

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: “When I walk out to play in Hyderabad I will feel a deep void. A void that can never be fulfilled.

Harbhajan Singh

“One of the best players Indian cricket has seen and I have played with will no longer be with me. It has been an absolute pleasure to share some of my greatest cricketing moments with a true legend of the game and a thorough gentleman. VVS, the team and I will miss you.

Quick on the button I will forever cherish the 16 years we have played together.” Yuvraj Singh, who is to receive the Arjuna Award, tweeted minutes after Laxman announced his retirement: “Honoured to get the arjuna award! But. Really sad VVS has retired! I was hoping he would play end of the year ! Nicest human being ever. Someone with a heart of gold.

“An absolute team man and mattered the most when India needed him Great in my books a legend who played for India. And a very special friend! Dear very very special you will be missed!”

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh tweeted: “Laxman u were amazing cricketer everyone knows but u were surely the best human being I have ever met. God bless you with all the happiness in future. Lax we are going to miss you.

You are a legend. Sending love and wishes all the way from Essex. Wish I was part of your last test. Gonna miss you vvs. god bless.” Australian batsman Michael Clarke tweeted: “Congrats to VVS Laxman on an amazing career.”

Explosive batsman Virender Sehwag tweeted: “VVS is one of the finest human beings to have played cricket. One of the main pillars of the team and a true friend. Words are not enough.”